Key identifier



4-Shee'ts-Sheet l B. 4cooPl-:Rl V, 4

KEY IDENTIFIER Filed Dec. 12, 1940 March 14, 1944.

INVENToR SEA/JQM/N C0 OPER 46 ATTORNEY whs -Marh 14, 1944. B. COOPER l 2,344,234-

KEY IDENTIFIER Filed Dec. 12, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet v2 INVENTQR f'A/JHM//v coopfe jKT-l-QRNEY Ma-.rch 14,I 1944. i B. COOPER 2,344,234I

KEY IDENTIFIER Filed Dec: 12, 1940 y 4 Shee'S-Shee'I 3 f 131 INVENTOR BENJM/N CP-,Q

BY f6 m ATTORNEY Patented Mar. 14, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE nar x'zrmn y r nenimm cooper, remy city. N. J. sppucauonlr No. seasss This invention relates to key operated identi- 'iiera It is particularly directed to an identifier --for use in registers, watchman systems, .toll

checking apparatus, and for the like purposes, and having a puiser actuated by a key to actuate printing counters, whereby a number may be printed corresponding to the shape of the key.

An object of this invention is to provide a key operated identifier of the character described having pulsers operated by a manually wound.

spring, the identifier being provided with means to prevent -insertion of the key into the identifier unless the spring is fully wound and in condi-v tion to tilt the pulsing mechanism.

A further object of this invention is to provide Fig. 'l is a cross-sectional view taken on line 1 1 oi' Fig. 2; and

Fig. 8 is a wiring diagram ofthe circuit controlled by the identifier.'

Referring now in detail to the drawings, Ill

designates an identifier embodying the invention for identifying a key II. The key II is fiat and elongated, and has a handle I2 at one end. One

' and Il into which project shoulders I6 and Il.

in an identifier of the character described, a ro- 4 tatable member adapted to operate a puiser a number of times depending upon the angle of rotationy of the rotatable member, and means to limit rotation of the rotatable member in accordance with the height of a portion of the key and the longitudinal position of said poron;

A further object o1' this invention is to provide a highly improved compact and rugged identifier of 'the character described which shall be easy to operate, relatively inexpensive to manufacture, positive in action, which shall have a large variety of applications, and yet be practical and efiiclent to a high degree in use.

Other objects of this invention will in part be obvious and in part hereinafter pointed out.

arrangement of parts which will be exemplified y in the construction hereinafter described, and of lwhich the scope of `application will be indicated in the following claims.

In the accompanying drawings, in which one of the various possible illustrative embodiments of this invention is shown, l

Fig. 1 is a front view of' a key identifier embodying the invention, with the front plate removed;

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the identifier;

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 3--3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional H of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a partial view, similar to Fig. 1, and showing the position of the parts after the key to be identified h'as been inserted and rotated to pulsing position;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken on line O-i of Fig. 2:

view taken on line Theshoulders I8 and I1 may be either of full height, as indicated by shoulder I6, or of half height, as indicated by shoulder I'I. Each of the shoulders may be located in any .one of five longitudinal positions. The shoulder I6 is in a middle positiqn, whereas, the shoulder I'I is in an end position. The height of the shoulders, as well as the longitudinal positions thereof, are for the purpose of illustration only. and the identifying mechanism, as will appear hereinafter will identii'y the key II by two digit numbers, one digit number identifying the position of one of the shoulders, and the other digit number, the position of the other shoulder. Since each shoulder has five longitudinal positions and two heights,

the size and location of the shoulder can be ideny tified by one of ten digits.

At substantially the mid portion of the key II are a pair of opposite notches 2li, for the purpose hereinafter appearing, and a second pair of opposite notches 2|. spaced from the notches 20.

The identifier I0 comprises two parallel walls 22 and 23 spaced apart by four spacer rods 24. Fixed to wall 23 as by four spacer rods 25 isa face plate 26 parallel to said wall. Wall 23 is provided with a through opening 2l disposednear the central portion of said wall, and with a through opening 28 disposed below and to one side of the opening 21. Wall 22 is provided with a through opening 29 aligned with opening 28 in wall 23.

Fixed to the outer surface of Wall 23, as by spacer rods 30 and screws 30a, is a key guide 3|, parallel to .saidwall and aligned with the opening 2'I. Key 'guide 3i is Provided with a key slot 32 to receive key I I, having a circular portion 22a, and vertically disposed grooves 32h. Guide JI is further provided with a stop pin 33 to limit` -opening 31 is a slotted key (Fig. l) Said stops limit rotation of the key to 90 degrees.

Face plate 28 is provided with a circular through opening 35 aligned with the opening 28 of wall 23; and with a raised portion 38 provided with a through opening 81 aligned with the opening 21 in wall 23. Rotatably mounted in the disc 38. Fixed in the rear portion of opening 31 is a split ring clamp 38, holding the slotted disc 38 in place.

Fixed to plate 23 is a housing member 4| having a portion fitted within the opening -21 and formed with a cylindrical internal bore 42. The side portions of housing 4| are formed with a plurality of similar, symmetrically disposed, slots 43 extending from top to bottom. For the purpose of illustration, there are five slots 43 on each side of the housing 4|. The housing 4I is solid at the top and bottom. Fixed to the top portion of the housing 4| is a block 44 formed with through openings 45, aligned with the slots 43. Pivotally mounted within each slot 43 is a lever asume of said levers. In auch position, one stop 83 will contact one side of the key. 'Ihe key may then y counterclockwise direction, and the shoulder |1 will swing a lever on the opposite side of the housing and aligned therewith in a clockwise direction. l l,

It will be noted that the longer shoulder i6 will swing its lever 48 through a greater angle than the shorter shoulder I1. Thus, the location of the shoulders selects the levers to be swung outwardly and the height of the shoulders determines the degree of rotation of the levers.

Means is provided to prevent insertion of the key into cage 48. To this end, there is pivoted to 46. The levers 46 on one side of the housing are pivoted about a common pivot 46a traversing said slots, and the levers on the other side of the housing are pivoted on a common pivot pin 46h, traversing the slots and parallel to the first pivot pin. The upper ends of the levers extend above the openings 45. Within the openings are coil compression springs 41 for (rotating the lower ends of the levers inwardly toward each other.

Rotatably mounted within the housing` 4| is a cage 48 comprising a front cylindrical portion 53 at the front end of which is a vertical plate 6| formed with a slot 62 to receive a key and aligned with the slot portionsv 32h of opening 32, and also with the slot in the slotted disc 39. On plate 6|' is a radial lug 53 for the purpose hereinafter appearing.

At the rear end of the cage 48 is an annular disc interconnected to the cylindrical wall 50 by parallel spaced portions 66 forming a slot 61 therebetween through which the key passes. The disc 55 also has a slot 58 to/receive one end of the key. Attached to disc 5B is an enlarged circular plate contacting the rear end of the of the parallel portions 56 is a longitudinal rib 63 adapted to engage within the groove i3 of the key Il. The rib 63 extends to the front face of plate 6|.

It will now be understood that the key Il may' be inserted through the slot 31 and through the slot in the slotted disc 39 and through the slot portions 32h of opening 32 and through the slot 52 in plate 5| and through the -slot 51. between the parallel portions 66 and into the slot 68 in the rear wall 55. When the key is fully inserted, the rear end thereof will contact ythe circular plate 60. aligned with the key guide plate 3| and the slots 20 are disposed in front of the cage 48. The grooved portions I4 and l5 of the key are located within the housing 4| and between the cylindrical wall 50 of the cage and the'rear plate 55 of the cage.

jhousing 4|. Fixed to the plate 60, and extending rearwardly therefrom, is an insulated pin 8| for the purpose hereinafter appearing. On one.

In such position, the slots 2| 'are The key is inserted horizontally with the upscrew 30a, a shutter plate 85 disposed in front of the cage and suspended in a position to block the slot 62. Thus, when the shutter is suspended in vertical position, it prevents insertion of the key into the cage, and only when the shutter is swung away to clear the slot 62, in a manner hereinafter to be explained, can the key be inserted into the identifier.

The levers 48 which are swung outwardly by rotation of the key serve as stops to limit angular rotation of a pair of pulsing cylinders 10 and 1| to be described hereinafter. The pulsing cylinder 10 is rotatably mounted on a horizontal shaft 12 journalled within the bearing openings 28 and 29- and passing forwardly through the `opening 35 in the face plate 28. The cylinder 10 has acentral sleeve 14 iournalled on said shaft, and a cylindrical outer wall 15'connected to the sleeve by an end wall 18. The end wall 18 is connected to wall 28 by a torsion spring 11 having one end engaging said end wall and the other end engaging the frame wall 23.

The cylinder 10 is formed with ten equally spaced notches 18 forming teeth 18a. At one end of the cylinder is a notch 19 for the purposes hereinafter described. On shaft 12 is a fixed sleeve contacting one end of the cylinder 10 and formed with a ratchet groove 82. Pivoted on a pin screwed to the rear face of the end wall 18, is a pawl 83 adapted to engage the ratchet groove 82, and held in said groove by a spring 84. Rotation of the shaft in one direction will not be accompanied by rotation of the pulsing cylinder 10. Rotation of the shaft 12 in an opposite direction will cause rotation of the cylinder 10 to wind the torsion springs 11, and rotation of the cylinder in the rst direction will rotate the shaft as the spring is wound down.

On the cylindrical portion 16 of the pulsing cylinder 10 are ten radially extending stop pins Il. The stop pins 85 are equiangularly distant one from the other. There are two stop pins aligned with each of the five levers 46, one of which is longer than the other. The stop pins progress around the cylinder from one end of the cylinder to the other. If the levers 46 on one side of the housing 4| are rotated outwardly by a longer shoulder on the key, it will be sufficiently long to engage one of the short pins 85, and if the lever is swung outwardly by a short tooth or shoulder, it will be swung only sufllcien'tly to engage one of the longer stop pins. Thus, each lever on one side of the housing when swung downwardly will engage one of the two teeth aligned therewith depending upon whether it is ascuas swung outwardly by a short or long tooth or shoulder on the key.

It will now be understood that the pulsing cylinder 10 cooperates with the set of levers on one side of the housing. The pulsing cylinder 1| cooperates with the levers 46 on the other side of the housing. Said cylinder 1| also has radial pins 85 similar and symmetrically disposed to the stop pins on the cylinder 10. Said cylinder 1| is rotatably mountedon the shaft 12a journalled in the frame and parallel and aligned with the shaft 12. Fixed to wall 23 are a pair of stops 23a and 23h each adapted to cooperate -with one of the stop pins 85 on their respective pulsing cylinders 10 and 1| to retain said cylinders in initial position. The cylinder 1| is also formed with equiangularly spaced, peripheral notches 10 ,forming ten radial teeth 18a.

Rotataly mounted on shaft 12 is a gear 90 carrying a pawlv 9| held by a spring within the ratchet groeven. Fixed to shaft 12a is a gear 9|a, meshing with the gear 80 so that the two pulsing cylinders will rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. I

Means is provided to regulate the speed of rotation of the cylinders. To this end, there is fixed to shaft 12, a gear 92 meshing with a pinion 83 carried on a shaft 94 journalled in the frame. On said shaft, and fixed to the pinion 33, is a gear 95 meshing with a pinion 96 on a shaft 91 journalled in the frame.

Surrounding theV shaft 91, and fixed to the frame, is a fixed drum 98. Attached to said shaft is a transverse member 99. and attached to member 90 at 99a, are apair of curved governor arms 98h adapted to fly outwardly by centrifugal force when shaft 91 rotates. There is also fixed to the drum 98 a member |00 made oi' spring metal having outwardly extending radial arms ||A and curved wings |02 overlying the governor arms 99h.

It will now be understood that when the shaft 12 rotates, shaft 91 will also be rotated to cause 'the governor arms 99h to fly outwardly. The spring Wings |02 keep the governor arms from flying out too far. The governor arms are adapted to press outwardly against the fixed spring wings |02, thus causing the shaft 91 to rotate at a constant speed.

Means is provided to control the winding of the spring 11 and the rotation of the pulsing cylinders. To this end, there is rotatably mount- 1 ed on the front end of the shaft 12, a sleeve |05 formed with a disc |06 atits rear end. Disc |08 is formed with a peripheral notch |01, for the purpose hereinafter appearing. The sleeve passes through the opening in the face plate,

and fixed to the forward end thereof, is a handle It will be noted that disc |06 is spaced 'forwardly from wall 23 and is disposed parallel thereto. Pivoted to the inner face thereof, as on pin ||0, is a pawl formed with an intermediate shoulder I| 2. Fixed to the front surface of wall 23 is a block ||3 adapted to engage the free end ||4 of the pawl Disc |06 is formed with a radial slot ||5 and on'the front face of the disc is a pin ||6 to which there is attached a spring |1 passing through the slot ||5 andxed to the pawl urging the 'pawl to swing inwardly.

Fixed on the portion of the shaft,12 which is located between the disc |06 and the frame wall 23 are a pair of discs ||8 and |20 and a cam I|9 disposed between said discs. Disc .I I8 is formed with a notch ||8a forming a shoulder IIb adapted to engage the shoulder |12 of the pawl to stop rotation of the shaft in a clockwise direction. looking at Fig. 1 of the drawings, when said pawl is in position to engage said shouder. Disc .|20 is formed with a notch |20a forming a shoulder |20b adapted to engage a finger |24 of a pawl |25 to stop rotation of the shaft in a clockwise direction, looking at Fig 1, when the finger engages said shoulder. 'I'he pawl |25 is pivoted on pin |26 located at the front face of wall 23. Said pawl has an upwardly extending finger |21 adapted `to be engaged by the lug .or the projection 53 of the cage 48 when the key is turned, to disengage'the finger |24 from the shoulder |20b. The pawl |25 is urged into shoulder engaging position by a spring |29 on wall 23.

On plate 23 is a pin mounted thereon, is a collar |3| carrying a short upwardly extending arm |32 and a longer upwardly extending arm |33. At the upper end of arm |32is a pin |34 normally contacting the periphery of disc |06 and adapted to be received in notch |01 of saidA disc, when the pin is aligned with said notch. Interconnecting the upper end of arm |33 with the frame is a tension spring |36 normally urging arms |33 and |32 to rotate in a clockwise direction, looking at Fig. l of the drawings. r

On arm |33 is a fixed pin |31 adapted to be engaged by the cam ||8 in initial position tokeep the pin |34 out of .engagement with the disc 06. 'I'he cam ||9 has a high part |40 and is formed with a radial shoulder |4|. On the upper end of arm |33 is a fixed pin |42. The pin |42 is received in a slot |43 of a connecting rod |44 pivoted at one end, as at |45, to the shutter 65. When the parts are in initial position, the pin |42 is at the right end of slot |43. Connecting rod |44 is connected by coil tension spring |46 to wall 23. Spring |46 tends to move the connecting rod to the left, but is weaker than the spring |36.

The parts `are shown in Fig. 1 in initial pcsi, tion, before the key is inserted, and before the spring is wound. In such position it will be noted that the high part of the cam ||9 retains arm |33 in such position that the shutter is n vertical position and. thus prevents insertion of the key. Upon rotating the handle |08 first in a clockwise direction through somewhat less than 360 degrees, the sleeve |05 and disc |06 will be rotated without rotating the shaft 12 in a clockwise direction bringing the pawl to a position where the finger ||4 thereof is below the block H3. In such position, the pawl will drop under the action of spring ||1 into engagement with the shoulder ||6b. Rotation of the handle |08 in a counterclockwise direction looking at Fig. l will thus cause rotation of the shaft 12 due to engagement of the pawl with the shoulder ||8b.

The shaft 12, together with the pulsing cylinders 10 and 1|, are then rotated by reason of the engagement of the pawl |l| with the shoulder |l8b, and also by reason of the engagement of the pawl 83 with the shaft and the meshing gears and 8 Ia.. During such rotation, the pin |31 will ride off the high part of the cam ||9causing arm |33 to swing slightly in a clockwise direction, looking at Fig. 1., to bring the p`n |34 against the periphery of the disc |06. When the handle is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, through substantially 360 degrees, the pin |34 will drop into notch |01 of the disc |06 |30, and rotatably causing arm |33 to swing still further to the right to swing the shutter in a counterclockwise direction about its pivot pin 30a, Fig. 5, and expose the key slots to permit insertion of the key. When the pin |34 drops into the notch |01, finger |24 of pawl |25 will engage shoulder |20b of disc |20, thus holding the spring in wound condition.. As the pulsing cylinders rotate in opposite directions during winding nf the spring, pins 85 which were in initial position in engagement with the stops 23a and 23h, move away from said stops. The key may then be inserted and rotated to move the selected two levers 45 to a position which will engage one of the ten stop pins 35 on the pulsing cylinders. Simultaneously, lug 63 on the cage 43 will engage finger |21 of pawl |25', swinging the same in a counterclockwise direction about the pivot pin |25, Fig. 5, causing finger |24 to disengage from shoulder |20b and permitting the pulsing cylinders to rotate in an opposite direction to unwind the spring and cause pulsations in a manner hereinafter ex.- plained.

During this action, handle |03 and sleeve |05 and disc |06 do not rotate. At the end of the unwinding motion, the high part of cam ||9 will again engage pin |31 to swing arm |33 to the left and disengage pin |34 from the notch |01. During this movement of arm |33, the pin |42 moves to the left in slot |43, without pulling the shutter down. The shutter will be held in exposed position by the key itself until the key is withdrawn, at which time the spring |46 will pull the connecting arm |44-to'the left and pull the shutter down to vertical position. Unwinding movement of the cylinders will stop when the stop pins 85 in alignment with the stops 23a and 23h contact the same. During the winding movement of the handle, the pawl is brought back to its initial position, shown in Fig. 1.

Means is provided to cooperate with the pulsing cylinders to cause sets of pulses, the nurnber of pulses in each set being dependent upon the degree of angular rotation of one of the pulsing cylinders. To this end, there is pivoted on a pair of horizontal, parallel pins and |6| fixed to the frame, insulated switch. arms |60a and |6|a, held against the cylinders by springs |6012 and |6|b. The pivoted switch members |60a and |6|a have fingers |62 and |63 engaging the teeth 18a of the cylinders. As the cylinders rotate during' the .winding movement, the teeth 18a merely oscillate the switch arms |600, and |6|a without causing any pulsations. During the unwinding movement, however, Asaid switch arms are oscillated by the teeth 18a. in opposite directions, and each switch arm will have as many oscillations as there are teeth which pass the switch arms, and the number of teeth passing the switch arms 'depend upon the angle of rotation of the pulsing cylinder.

Mounted on one of the frame walls is `an insulating block |63, carrying a pair of switch arms |64 and |65, interconnected at their outer ends by an insulated connector |66. Said block also supports a pair of switch blades-|61 and |68. The switch arms |64 and |65 are normally out of engagement with the blades |61 and |68 and each osciliation'of the switch member |6011 will cause interengagement of the switch arms |64 and |65 with the blades |61 and |69.

On the identifier frame is another block carrying switch arms |64a and |65a interconnected by an insulating connector |66a. On said block are also switch blades |51a and |68a normally out of engagement with the switch arms |64a andv |55a, but adapted to engage thevsame for each oscillation of the switch member Illa.

On the frame is also anlnsulating block |10 carrying a switch arm |1| carrying an insulated pin |12, normally received in the notch 19 of cylinder 10. On block |10 is another switch arm |14 normally out of engagement with the switch arm |1|, but adapted to engage the same whenthe cylinder 10 rotates away from its initial posi,- tion, due to lifting of the pin |12 as it rides out oi the notch 19. Y

On the identiiiersvall is another insulating block |16 carrying a pair of switch arms |11 and' |19 interconnected by an insulating connector |19. The lower switch |1'I is normally engaged by pin 6I of the cage 43. On the block |10 is, a switch arm |30 normally engaged by the switch arm |10. On said block is another switch arm |6| normally out of engagement with the switch.

arm |16, but adapted to be engaged thereby, when the cage is rotated and the pin 6| moves away from switch arm |11. On the block |15 is another switch arm |32 normally in engagement with the switch arm |11, but adapted to be moved away from said switchlarm.

Means is provided to transmit pulses caused by rotation of the cylinders to electro-magnetic printing counters f and |9|. Said counters comprise coils |90a and |9|a, controlling armatures |90b and |3|b, adapted to advance ratchetwheels |90c and |9|c carried on shafts which also carry the usual printing wheels. On said shafts are-also carried insulated wheels |90d and |9|d carrying radial lugs |90e and |3|e. The and |9|e are adapted to hold switch arms |92 and |93 out of engagement with fixed contacts |95 and |96, when the printing wheels are in zero position. When the printing wheels moveout of zero position, said switch arms will move into engagement with the fixed contacts |95 and |96. 'Ihe coils |90a and |9|a when energized are adapted to move normally closed switch arms |91 and |98 out of engagement and fixed contacts |99 and |99a.

There is further provided means to print vagainst the counters |90 and |9|, said means including a printing solenoid 200 including a coil 20| and controlling a platen 202. When the printing solenoid is not energized the platen 202 presses down against a switch arm 203 to hold the same in contact with a fixed contact 204, and out of engagement with another fixed contact 205. When the solenoid 200- is energized, the platen 202 moves upwardly permitting switch arm 203 to move out of engagement with contact 204, and into engagement with contact 205.

There is further provided a printing relay 2|0 comprising a coil 2|| adapted to move a switch arm 2|2, normally open, into engagement with a xed contact 2|3. There is further provided a resetting relay 2|4 comprising a coil 2|5 adapted to rnove normally open switch arms 2|5, 2|1, and 2 I6 into engagement with fixed contacts 2|9, 22|l,v and 22|, respectively. Said relay 2|4 is also adapted to move a switch arm 222 normally in engagement with a contact 223 out of engagement therewith and into engagement with another contact 224.

There is further provided la slow release relay a 230 comprising a coil 23| adapted to open a switch Issa 240 to the ilxedl contact 204 and by wire 24| with the switch arms 2|2, 2|6, and 2| 1,` and with the switch arms |11` and |18. 'I'he positive power supply is connected by wire 242 to one side oi' each of the coils |90a and |9|c and to one side o( the coils 2||, 2|5, and 23|. The positive power supply is also connected by wire 243 to one side oi' the coil 20| of the printing solenoid. The other side of said coil of the printing solenoid is connected by wire 244 to the fixed contact 2|3.l

Switch arm 203 is connected by wire 246 to fixed contact 22| and switch arm |8|. -Fixed contact 206 is connected by wire241 to the other side of coil 2|5 and to switch arm 2|8. Switch |92 is connected by wire 248 to fixed contact 2| 9.

Switch arm |93 is connected by wire 249 to fixed contact 220. The switch arms |91 and |99a are connected to the other sides of the coils |90a and |9|c by wires 250 and 25|. The fixed contact |98 is connected by wire 252 to the fixed contact |96. The xed contact |99 is connected by wire 253 to the xed contact |95. Said other sides of the coils |90a and |9| are connected by wires 251 and 258 to the switch arms |65 and |65a respectively. The switch arm |61a is interconnected by wire 259 to the switch arm |61 and also to the other side of the coil 23|. The switch arm |68a and |64a are interconnected electrically and arealso connected by wire 260 to the switch arms |64 and |68 which are also interconnected electrically. Switch arm |1| is connected by wire 26| to the switch arm |82 and by wire 262 to the switch arms |64a and |68a. Switch arm |14 is connected by wire 263 to the Aiixed contact 233. Switch arm |80 is interconnected by wire 265 to iixed contact 224.

The other side'of the coil 2|| of the printing relay is connectedV by wire 266 to switch arm 222. Fixed contact 223.is connected by wire 261 to switch arm 232.

The operation of the printing counters |90 and Y|9|, and of the printing solenoid 200 will now be described.

' When key is inserted into the key slot 61 and turned 90 to initiate the rotation of the cylindrical pulsers 10 and 1|, as previously described, cage 48 will be rotated in a counter clockwise direction (Fig. 8). permitting switches |11-|82, negative polarity is placed on the spring ngers |64 and |68, and spring ngers I64a and |68a through wires 24|, `the switch |11| 82, wires 26|, 262, and 260. Spring inger|1| is also of negative polarity through wire 26| ,upon closing switch |11|82. e

During the pulsing operation previously described, switch |65| 68 will close each time the ngers |60a and |6|.a are engaged by a tooth 18a. For each pulse of switch |65a|68a, the printing counter |9| is energized, the circuit being from the negative polarity of switch |65a|68a through wire 258, coil |9|c of said counter, through wire 242 to plus power supply. Each time coil |9|a is energized armature |9|b advances the ratchet wheel |9|c one step to advance the digit wheel of said counter. Printing counter |90 is'similarly energized for each closure of switch |65-|69, the circuit being through said switch and wire 261 through the coil |90a, and the wire 242.

23| of said relay and wire 242' to plus power supply. By energizing the relay 230 switch 232- 232 is opened, and remains open untilthe pulsing oi said switches has stopped, at which time relay 230 is allowed to vbecome de-energized, allowing switch 2 32-233 to again close.

At the beginning oi' the pulsing operation, the insulated pin |12 of switch arm |1| will ride in notch 19 of the cylinder 10, keeping switch |1| Each time the switches |65| 68 and |650- |68a are pulsed, switches |64|61 and |64a |61a are pulsed, energizing the slow release relay 290, the circuit being from negative polarity, switches |64-|61 and |64a-I61a, wire 269, coil |14 open until switches |64|6l and |64a|91a have started pulsing to energize the slow release relay l230. Insulated pin |12 will then ride over the periphery cylinder |1|-v-|14.

Upon deenergizing the slow release relay 230, switch 232-233 will close, energizing the printing relay 2|0, the cireuitbeing from negative polarity of switch |1||14, through wire 283, switch 2 32-233, wire 281, switch'223-222, wire 266, through coil 2|| oi' said relay. wire 242 to plus power supply. Energizing relay 2| 0 will close switch 2|2-2|3 to energize the printing solenoid 200, the circuit being from minus power supthrough coil 20| of said solenoid, wire 243 to plus power supply. Upon energizing the printing solenoid 200, platen 202 will move upwardly against the printing wheels of the printing counters |90 and |9|, paper and printing ribbon being interposed, to print the identification number of an identification'key Platen 202, in moving upwardly will carry with it the switch arm 203, closing the switch 203-205. By closing switch 203-205, the reset relay 2|4 becomes energized, the energizing circuit being from the negativepolarity of switch |18-|9|, through wire 246, switch 203-205, wire 241, coil 2|5 of said relay, and wire 242 to plus power supply.

Energizing relay 2 |4 will close switch 2|8-22|, closing a holding circuit for coil 2|6 oi said relay, the circuit being from plus power supply. through wire 242, coil 2|6, switch ZIB-22|, wire 246, switch |8|-|18, to minus power supply.

Switch 222-223 will open upon energizing relay 2|4, and switch 222-224 will close. Opening switch 222-223-will deenergize the printing relay 2 0. By deenergizing relay 2 |0, switch 2 2 2| 3 will open to deenergize the printing solenoid 200. Platen 202 will return to its initial position opening switch 203-205 and closing switch 203-204. By opening switch 203-205, relay 2| 4 will not become deenergized due to the holding circuit for coil 2|6 previously described. Closing switch 203-204 will close another holding circuit for relay 2|4, the circuit being from minus power supply through wire 240 through said switch, wire 246, switch 2|8-22I, coil 2|5, wire 242 to plus power supply. l

In holding relay 2|4 energized switches 2|6 2|9 and 2|1-220 are held closed to reset the digit wheels of the printing counters |90' and |9|. By holding switches 2|6-2I9 and 2|1-220 closed the printing counters are energized. the circuit for counter |90 being from minus power supply through wire 24|, switch 2|6-2I9, wire 248, closed switch |92-|95, wire 253, switch |91- l99, wire 250, coil |90a, wire 242 to plus power supply. When counter |90 becomes energized switch |91| 99 will open to deenergize said relay and then close again to energize said relay. The pulsing of the counter |90 will continue until armature |90b has advanced the digit wheel to zero position, at which time the protrusion 90e 10, closing the switchl arm |92 to open the switch ISL-itl. thus opening and; holding open the aiore described energlzing circuit.

Printing counter ISI is similarly advanced by closure of switch 2 l1-220 and the circuit through switches ISS-|96 and ISL-Ina.

Upon turning the said relay, wire switch ISG-|18, wire'24l to minus power supply. By energizing relay 2I0, printing solenoid 200 is again energized in the manner previously described. Platen 202 in moving upwardly will open switch 203-204, thus deenergizing the reset relay 2 I I. By deenergizing the reset relay switch 222-224 opens, opening the energizing circuit of the printing relay 2id. By deenergizing the relay 2l0 switch 212-213 will open, deenergizing the printing solenoid 200. The circuit is thus restored to its initial condition, the pulsing cylinder 10 returning to its initial position. will permit pin |12 to fall into notch 19 of said cylinder opening the switch 11i-|14.

It will thus be seen that there is provided a device in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted to meet the 'conditions of practical use.

As various possible embodiments might be made of the above invention, and as various changes might be made in the embodiment above .be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent:

1. A key identier comprising a pulsing means controlled by a key inserted into the identiiier, a manually operated spring motive means to operate said pulsing means, means to prevent insertion of the key into the identier and means controlled by the motive means in wound condition to remove the preventing means.

2. A key identiiier comprising means to receive a key, a pair of opposed sets of movable members in the identiiier on opposite sides of the key receiving means, one of each set of which is adapted to be selected and moved by one portion on opposite sides of the key, the selection depending upon the positions of said portions in one 'direction and the extent of movement of the selected members depending upon the positions of said portions in directions transverse to the ilrst direction, pulsing means controlled by the sei lected members and the positions to which they said pulsing means comspring. means to romeans to charge the are moved by the key, prising a pair oi cylinders, tate the same and manual spring means.

3. An identifier comprising means to receive a key u to withdraw the same from the identier, cage 48 will be rotated to estense' key, pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving means, said pulsing means comprising a rotary member, spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent of the key to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating, and means controlled by the key to release said retaining means and means controlled by the key to limit rotation of said rotary member.

4. An identifier comprising means to receive a key, pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving means, said pulsing means comprising al rotary member, spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent of the key to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating. means controlled by the key to release said retaining means, means to limit rotation of the winding means, and means controlled by the key to limit rotation of the rotary member.

5. An identiiier comprising means to receive a key, pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving means, said pulsing means comprising a rotary member, spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent ot the key to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating, means controlled by the key to release said retaining means, means to limit rotation of the winding means, means controlled by the key to limit rotation ot the rotary member, and means to couple the winding means to the rotary member, and means to automatically uncouple the winding means -irom the rotary means when the rotary member moves to initial unwound position.

6. An identifier comprising means to receive a key, pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving means, said pulsing means comprising a rotary member, spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent of the key to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating, means controlled by the key to release said retaining means, means to limit rotation of the winding means, means controlled by the key to limit rotation of the rotary member,lmeans to couple the winding means to the rotary member, and means to automatically uncouple the winding means from the rotary means when the rotary member moves to initialunwound position, and

Y means to permit the rotary member to move back to initial unwound vposition upon removal of the key from said key receiving means.

'1. In an identifier, a key receiving means, a key insertible thereinto and having a shoulder, a set of movable members longitudinally positioned relative to the key when the latter is in the key receiving means, said shoulder being in position to move the movable membe; of said set which is aligned therewith. upon rotating the key in said key receiving means, and said shoulder being adapted to move the member of the set which is aligned therewith to an extent depending upon the height of said shoulder from a longitudinal baseline on the key, a. puiser including a movable part, said movable member having a plurality oi stops in the plane of each o! the movable members of said set, the stops in each plane being of progressive heights dependent upon the degrees of movement to which the movable member oi said set and in said plane may be moved, and means to move said movable part until one of the stops engages the moved member of said set whereby said movable part is moved to an extent dependent upon which one of the plurality of movable members of said set is moved and upon the extent of its movement.

8. A key identiiier comprising a key receiving means, a plurality oi parallel members pivoted said shoulder on said key, and the angular displacement thereof being dependent upon the height of said shoulder from a longitudinal base line on said key, a rotatable member, a plurality of stop means on said rotatable member of vary.- ing heights in the plane of each pivoted mem*- ber, one of said stops being adapted to engage the pivoted member positioned by said key upon rotation of said rotatable member. which stop engages the pivoted member being dependent upon the degree di rotation of said pivoted member, and means to pulse a number of times corresponding to the extent of rotation of said rotatable member.

9. A key identifier comprising a key receiving means, a plurality of parallel mem-bers pivoted Within said key receiving means, one of said members being adapted to be angularly displaced by a shoulder on a key inserted and rotated in said key receiving means, the member displaced being dependent upon the longitudinal position of said shoulder on said key, and the angular displacement thereof being dependent upon the height of said shoulder from a longitudinal base line on said key, a rotatable member, a 'plurality oi' stop means on said rotatable member of varying heights in the plane of each pivoted member, one of said stops being adapted to engage the pivoted member positioned by said key upon rotation of said rotatable member, which stop engages the pivoted member being dependent upon the degree of rotation of said pivoted member, means to pulse a number of times correspending to the extent of rotation of said rotatable member, said pulsing means including a `spring motor to rotate said rotatable member,

and means to prevent the insertion of said key into said key receiving means unless, said spring motor is charged.

10. A key identier comprising a key receiving means, a plurality oi parallel members pivoted within said key receiving means, one of said members being adapted to be angularly displaced by a shoulder on a key inserted and rotated in said key receiving means. the member displaced being dependent upon the longitudinal position of said shoulder on said key, and the angular displacement thereof being dependent upon the height.of said shoulder from a longitudinal base line on said key, a rotatable member. a plurality of stop means on said rotatable member of varying heights in the plane oieach pivoted memlber, one of said stops being adapted to engage the pivoted member positioned by sai'd key upon rotation of said rotatable member, which stop engages the pivoted member being dependent upon the degree oi' rotation oi said pivoted member, means to pulse a number of times corresponding to the extent of rotation oi' said rotatable member, said pulsing means including a by a shoulder on a key inserted and rotated iny said key receiving means, the member displaced being dependent upon the longitudinal position of said shoulder on said key, and the angular displacement thereof being dependent upon the height of said shoulder from a longitudinal base line on said key, a rotatable member, a plurality vof stop means on said rotatable member of varying heights in the plane of each pivoted member, one of said stops being adapted to engage the pivoted member positioned by said key upon rotation of said rotatable member, which stop engages the pivoted member being dependent upon the degree of rotation of said pivoted member,l means to pulse a number of times corresponding to the extent of rotation of said rotatable member, said pulsing means including a spring motor to rotate said rotatable member. means to prevent the insertion of said key into said key receiving means unless said spring motor is charged, and a governor controlling the rotation of said rotatable member. i

12. An identier comprising, means to receive a key. pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving means, said pulsing means comprising a rotary member. spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent ot the key to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating, means -controlled by the key to release said retaining means, means to prevent insertion of a key into the identier and means controlled by said mothe key to wind said spring motive means, means to limit rotation of the winding means, means to retain said rotary member fromv rotating.

means controlled by the key to release said retaining means, means to prevent insertion of a key into the identier and means controlled by said motive means in wound. condition. to remove said preventing means.

14. An identiiler comprising, means to receive a key. pulsing means controlled by a key in the key receiving ineans, said pulsing means comprising a rotary member, spring motive means to rotate said member, means independent ofthekey to wind said spring motive means, means to retain said rotary member from rotating. means controlled by the key` to release said retaining means, means controlled by the key to limit rotation of the rotary member, means to prevent insertion of a key into the identiiler and means controlled by said motive means -in wound condition, to remove said preventing means.

BENJAMIN COOPER. 

